The hidden labor force falls in two types. The first one is seen among workers in the labor force who want to work more than they currently do. The second one is seen among workers not in the labor force who want to work if given opportunities. A survey in Tama New Town, a suburban district in Western Tokyo, shows that a quarter of the women belong either of the two types.There are a number of reasons why women have become the hidden labor force. Tax system, wage system, social security system, employment practices, family responsibility, etc.have reflected on male-dominated society that has given disadvantages to women.A full utilization of female labor is of necessity to raise women's position and important not to waste valuable human resources in the modern society. However, it can not be achieved unless we make economic as well as social conditions equal between men and women.就業意欲をもちながら“仕事への距離"が長くなる原因は、税制や賃金体系、雇用環境、家庭環境、にある。“仕事への距離"を短くするためには、社会、企業、家庭のそれぞれの場での女性労働力の有効活用に向けた取り組みが必要となる。社会の場では、税や社会保障の制度の個人化や柔軟化を図ること、企業の場では、増加しつつある非典型雇用やコンティンジェント労働を今日の‘正規“の就業形態として正当に認識し、労働時間に応じた適正な処遇と身分の保障を行う努力を払っていくこと、家庭の場では、育児や介護を男女の別なく行うことが大事である。ジェンダー・フリーの社会に向けて、男社会から男女共生社会への精神の脱皮が必要になろう。